MA Arts, Business and Creativity

Newcastle University Business School

MA Arts, Business and Creativity

MA Arts, Business and Creativity

This Arts, Business and Creativity MA programme provides an entrepreneurial education for creative graduates who are thinking about starting up, developing, and managing a business or freelance career in a creative industry. The programme has been created by the Business School in conjunction with the School of Arts and Cultures and key stakeholders from the creative industries. It examines the theoretical aspects of creativity and the creative industries within their social, cultural, economic, political, and, increasingly, international contexts. At the same time, the programme provides students with a setting to start-up a business and to engage in real projects with local/regional stakeholders.

The Arts, Business and Creativity MA was developed in response to the increasing demand for creativity in practice from strategists, managers, entrepreneurs, and government policymakers worldwide. Key decision makers within business and government recognise the vital importance of the Creative Industries and the Creative Business sector in regeneration and the economic growth of the region and whole nations. Graduates within this field are very much in demand.

Who is the programme for?

This programme has been designed specifically for individuals with some experience of, or interest in, the creative industries. It is aimed at those wishing to turn their artistic and creative talents into a viable career or business start-up, or for those involved in developing and growing enterprises within the sector. The programme has been developed in conjunction with industry practitioners and is taught by a team of academics with strong linkages to regional organisations and extensive professional backgrounds in the business world.

Professional skill development

On a professional level, students will develop applied skills in:

the formulation of business, marketing and promotional plans suitable for use within the creative industries

the development and application of advanced management tools and techniques to support profitability, sustainability, and growth within the context of commercially creative work

decision-making, critical thinking and an ability to act autonomously in planning and implementing projects at a professional level

strategic and creative thinking, recognising the need for change and the ability to proactively manage this change

Modules

The programme is modular in structure, comprising 180 credits, which are studied on a full-time basis over 12 months or 24 months part-time.

All students will take the following compulsory modules (180 credits):

Since entrepreneurship education needs to be experiential, there is a significant practical element to the programme, including starting up an enterprise, acting as a consultant in a creative business and working with practitioners across the sector.

Modules will be offered subject to availability.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold an upper-second class honours degree (2:1 level) or international equivalent, in any subject which provides a basis for involvement in the creative industry.

This would include, but is not restricted to, business and management studies, media and communication studies, design, fine arts, film, music, photography, creative writing, computer software and graphics, and acting.

Applicants whose first language is not English require IELTS 6.5 or equivalent, with a minimum of 6.0 in all sub-scores. Pre-sessional courses in the English language are provided by the University if required and successful completion of these may be a condition of entry.